No harm in setting up two NLUs in J&K
Jammu, Feb 02: Leader of Opposition (LoP) and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sunil Sharma on Monday described the National Conference-led government’s document read by the Lieutenant Governor in the Legislative Assembly as “directionless and visionless”. He accused the government of failing to spell out a clear roadmap for addressing pressing issues such as unemployment, women’s welfare and daily wagers’ regularisation.
Talking to reporters outside the Jammu Legislative Assembly after the LG’s address, Sharma said the document was deeply disappointing and lacked any concrete policy direction. “The Governor’s address reflects the government’s policies, vision and roadmap. Unfortunately, this document is silent on key issues facing the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “The Lieutenant Governor’s address is the government’s document, and it was all about failures.”
He pointed out that there was no mention of how the government intends to tackle unemployment or address women-related concerns. “The address merely lists centrally sponsored schemes of the Government of India. There is not even a word about the promises made during elections — 200 units of free electricity, one lakh jobs, or 12 free LPG cylinders,” Sharma alleged.
Taking a swipe at the ruling National Conference, the LoP said the address failed to reflect the party’s poll commitments. “There is no mention of regularisation of daily wagers, Rehbar-e-Khel, or timelines for resolving these long-pending issues. It is a bundle of hollow claims,” he said, adding that the BJP would expose the government’s “inaction”.
However, Sharma said the BJP would play the role of a constructive opposition. “If the Omar Abdullah-led government genuinely seeks our support for delivery and governance, we are ready. But as of now, the government is missing on the ground,” he remarked.
On the controversy surrounding the proposed National Law University (NLU), Sharma said the BJP stands firmly with the protesters demanding an NLU in Jammu. “We are not against having an NLU in Kashmir, but under Section 3, there is a provision for two NLUs. Jammu deserves one,” he asserted.
Echoing similar views, BJP MLA R S Pathania accused the Chief Minister of politicising the endNLU issue. “We never demanded NLU on regional lines. It was the Chief Minister who turned it into a political debate. The logical solution is to establish two NLUs — one in Jammu and one in Kashmir,” he said, adding that if funds were required, the BJP would ensure support from the Centre.
Another BJP MLA, Sham Lal Sharma, reiterated that the Lt Governor’s address is essentially the government’s own document and therefore accountability rests with the ruling dispensation. “The government talks about resolving the issue of daily wagers, casual labourers and daily-rated workers, but there is no action on the ground,” he said.
He also raised concerns over basic amenities, alleging that despite people paying hefty electricity bills, power supply remains erratic. Drawing parallels, Sharma said establishing two NLUs should not be contentious when Jammu and Kashmir already has two Central Universities, two AIIMS and two IIMs. “The Chief Minister should show magnanimity and resolve this issue amicably,” he added.
The BJP leaders said the party would continue to raise public issues forcefully in the Assembly while keeping the government “on its toes”.
